EP4055316A1 - Connection system for a luminaire, and a lighting system using the connection system - Google Patents

Connection system for a luminaire, and a lighting system using the connection system

Info

Publication number
EP4055316A1
EP4055316A1 EP20797731.5A EP20797731A EP4055316A1 EP 4055316 A1 EP4055316 A1 EP 4055316A1 EP 20797731 A EP20797731 A EP 20797731A EP 4055316 A1 EP4055316 A1 EP 4055316A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
housing
pillar
connection system
tapered
coupling arrangement
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Withdrawn
Application number
EP20797731.5A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Xuelin Li
Xia Wang
Jisong Xu
Chienliang YEH
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Signify Holding BV
Original Assignee
Signify Holding BV
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Signify Holding BV filed Critical Signify Holding BV
Publication of EP4055316A1 publication Critical patent/EP4055316A1/en
Withdrawn legal-status Critical Current

Links

Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V21/00—Supporting, suspending, or attaching arrangements for lighting devices; Hand grips
    • F21V21/005—Supporting, suspending, or attaching arrangements for lighting devices; Hand grips for several lighting devices in an end-to-end arrangement, i.e. light tracks
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V15/00—Protecting lighting devices from damage
    • F21V15/01—Housings, e.g. material or assembling of housing parts
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S4/00—Lighting devices or systems using a string or strip of light sources
    • F21S4/20—Lighting devices or systems using a string or strip of light sources with light sources held by or within elongate supports
    • F21S4/28—Lighting devices or systems using a string or strip of light sources with light sources held by or within elongate supports rigid, e.g. LED bars
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S2/00—Systems of lighting devices, not provided for in main groups F21S4/00 - F21S10/00 or F21S19/00, e.g. of modular construction
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V17/00—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages
    • F21V17/10—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages characterised by specific fastening means or way of fastening
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V17/00—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages
    • F21V17/10—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages characterised by specific fastening means or way of fastening
    • F21V17/16—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages characterised by specific fastening means or way of fastening by deformation of parts; Snap action mounting
    • F21V17/164—Fastening of component parts of lighting devices, e.g. shades, globes, refractors, reflectors, filters, screens, grids or protective cages characterised by specific fastening means or way of fastening by deformation of parts; Snap action mounting the parts being subjected to bending, e.g. snap joints
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21V—FUNCTIONAL FEATURES OR DETAILS OF LIGHTING DEVICES OR SYSTEMS THEREOF; STRUCTURAL COMBINATIONS OF LIGHTING DEVICES WITH OTHER ARTICLES, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
    • F21V21/00—Supporting, suspending, or attaching arrangements for lighting devices; Hand grips
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S8/00—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation
    • F21S8/02—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation of recess-mounted type, e.g. downlighters
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F21—LIGHTING
    • F21S—NON-PORTABLE LIGHTING DEVICES; SYSTEMS THEREOF; VEHICLE LIGHTING DEVICES SPECIALLY ADAPTED FOR VEHICLE EXTERIORS
    • F21S8/00—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation
    • F21S8/04—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation intended only for mounting on a ceiling or the like overhead structures
    • F21S8/06—Lighting devices intended for fixed installation intended only for mounting on a ceiling or the like overhead structures by suspension

Definitions

  • connection system for a luminaire and a lighting system using the connection system
  • This invention relates to luminaires formed as a set of interconnected housings.
  • Each individual housing may be considered to form part of a separate luminaire, and together they define an overall lighting system.
  • the housings are for example coupled together to form a line.
  • the connected housings may for example be suspended from a ceiling or else the side walls and bases of the housings may be recessed into a ceiling.
  • mounting brackets and additional pins are used in the lighting system to hold the housings together, one by one.
  • some connecting parts may be mounted inside or outside the two luminaires to connect the two housings, i.e. connect the luminaires, together. The longer the coupling parts, the better the control of how straight the two housings can be made after being installed.
  • a problem which arises for a connected set of housings is that it may be difficult and complicated to remove one luminaire that needs to be replaced or repaired from the overall system.
  • connection system for modular luminaires, each luminaire comprising: a housing having an open front and a back, at least one end of the housing comprising: an end face; a tapered pillar projecting from the back, the tapered pillar having a top opening
  • the connection system comprises a coupling arrangement for coupling respective ends of the housings of two luminaires together butted against each other, the coupling arrangement comprising: a bridge having a first and second tapered openings, each for fitting over a respective tapered pillar of one of the two adjacent housing ends; and a sprung retaining clip projecting within the opening, for passing though the top opening of the respective tapered pillar and for gripping the pillar beneath the top opening.
  • connection system provides a simple push fit connection, with a connecting bridge pushed over a pair of pillars, to align those pillars both in the height direction and the length and width directions (the length direction corresponding to the end- end direction of the housing).
  • the use of a sprung clip avoids the need for additional connecting parts as the bridge clips into place by means of the sprung clips.
  • Each pillar may have a rectangular shape and all sides of the rectangular shape taper.
  • the tapered shape makes easy initial positioning of the bridge over the pillars, and as the bridge is pushed down, the housings are brought into accurate alignment when the sprung clip engages with the pillar.
  • each pillar for example comprises an elongate slot, with its long axis parallel to the end face.
  • Each sprung retaining clip for example comprises a limb having a shaft and a barb at the end of the shaft, wherein a width of the shaft is parallel to the long axis of the elongate slot.
  • a wide sprung retaining clip fits in a wide slot. A strong coupling is thereby provided.
  • the barb of the limb may comprise a cam lower surface for engaging with the slot during attachment of the coupling arrangement and a retaining upper surface for engaging with the underside of the slot after attachment of the coupling arrangement.
  • the cam surface is used to push the sprung retaining clip against its spring bias, and it then snaps back with the upper surface preventing removal of the bridge.
  • the retaining upper surface may be for engaging with the underside of a top surface of the pillar in which the top opening is formed. This reduces the number of parts.
  • the pillar may simply be a hollow projection and the sprung retaining clip engages with the underside of the slot.
  • the sprung retaining clip is for example adapted to deform away from the end face during attachment of the coupling arrangement and spring back after attachment of the coupling arrangement. The spring force thus pulls the two adjacent housings together.
  • a top of the bridge for example comprises a top wall with openings enabling access to the sprung retaining clips. This enables the two housings to be separated by inserting a tool, such as a blade of a screwdriver, into the openings, to push the sprung clips against their bias and release the bridge from the pillars.
  • a tool such as a blade of a screwdriver
  • the coupling arrangement is preferably a push fit over two tapered pillars without external fixings. This provides a simple assembly with no tools.
  • the invention also provides a luminaire comprising: a housing having an open front and a back, at least one end of the housing comprising: an end face; and a tapered pillar projecting from the back, the tapered pillar having a top opening, wherein the dimensions of the tapered pillar and the top opening are arranged to enable connection of the housings of two luminaires together using the connection system as defined above.
  • the tapered pillar is for example positioned in the middle, in the housing width direction, of the back of the housing
  • the end of the housing may comprise a plurality of pillars projecting from the back, across the width of the housing. This provides a more secure connection across the width of the housing. Multiple bridges may be used to connect the two housings.
  • the end of the housing may further comprise a respective pillar projecting from the back at each side of the housing.
  • a coupling may be provided between the end of one housing and a side (around the comer from the end) of another housing, thus forming a right-angled connection between two housings.
  • the luminaire may further comprise one or more of: a light transmissive cover for covering an opening of the housing; one or more lighting units within each housing; and a lighting driver mounted outside the housing.
  • the invention also provides a linear lighting system comprising: a set of at least two luminaires, each as defined above; and a connection system as defined above for coupling respective ends of the housings of adjacent luminaires.
  • Figure 1 shows a modular lighting system
  • FIG. 1 shows the connection area more clearly
  • Figure 3 shows the connection area before introduction of the coupling arrangement
  • Figure 4 shows the coupling arrangement in more detail, viewed from the underside
  • Figure 5 shows the application of the coupling arrangement after the initial alignment of the housings
  • Figure 6 defines a cross sectional line A-A along a housing axis direction, with the housings ubbed together;
  • Figure 7 shows the cross section A-A of Figure 6
  • Figure 8 defines a cross sectional line B-B along the housing axis direction and a cross sectional line C-C across the width direction;
  • Figure 9 shows the cross section along line B-B of Figure 8.
  • Figure 10 shows the cross section along line C-C of Figure 8.
  • Figure 11 shows the engagement of the one sprung clip with one pillar more clearly
  • Figure 12 shows the coupling arrangement in cross section to show typical dimensions
  • Figure 13 shows the coupling arrangement from below, to show typical dimensions.
  • the invention provides a connection system for modular luminaires, wherein the luminaires are each provided with at least one tapered pillar projecting from a back, the pillar having a top opening.
  • a coupling arrangement is used for coupling the two luminaires together, in the form of a bridge having first and second tapered openings for fitting over the pillars.
  • a sprung retaining clip projects within each opening for passing through the top opening and thereby gripping the pillar.
  • the invention provides a connection system which avoids the need for tools and allows a push fit connection.
  • FIG. 1 shows a modular lighting system 10 having modular set of luminaires which may be arranged in a line.
  • Each luminaire comprises a housing, in this example formed as a frame having sides and ends.
  • a housing axis 14 extends between the ends.
  • a set of two luminaires, and hence two housings 12a, 12b, is shown.
  • the housings are shown as elongate so that the axis 14 is the elongate axis. However, the housings do not need to be elongate. They may for example be square (i.e., rectangular with aspect ratio of 1) or have an aspect ratio of 2 or 4.
  • Each housing 12a, 12b has an open front which forms the light output side of the luminaire and a back. The backs are visible in Figure 5.
  • Figure 2 shows the connection area (15 in Figure 1) more clearly. It shows one end 16a of a first housing 12a and one end 16b of a second housing 12b. The ends of the housings comprise an end face 40a, 40b and a tapered pillar projecting from the back. Projecting pillars 44c, 44d, 44e and 44f are seen, but there are two tapered pillars which are covered by a coupling arrangement 50. They are shown in Figure 3.
  • the tapered pillars have a rectangular shape. In one example, all sides of the rectangular shape taper.
  • connection system comprises a coupling arrangement 50 for coupling respective ends of the housings of two luminaires together butted against each other.
  • the coupling arrangement 50 is in the form of a bridge having tapered openings which fit over the pillars.
  • FIG. 3 shows the connection area before introduction of the coupling arrangement. It shows the tapered pillars 42a, 42b which are to be coupled by the coupling arrangement 50, projecting from the back. Each tapered pillar has a top opening 44a, 44b.
  • connection system pulls the two pillars together, aligning them in the length and width directions, as well as aligning them in the height direction.
  • the connection shown in Figures 2 and 3 forms a line of housings. However, a right-angled connection may also be formed.
  • the housings in this way each further comprise a respective pillar projecting from the back at each side of the housing.
  • the positioning of these additional pillars is such that the end face of one housing may be aligned with a side face of the connected housing, so that a continuous right angle is formed.
  • the spacing of the pillars from the end comers is the same.
  • Figures 2 and 3 show a single pillar at each end (and a single pillar at each side). There may instead be a plurality of pillars across the width the housing, to enable connection to be made at multiple locations across the width the housing.
  • Figure 3 shows an initial approximate alignment of the two housings. They are brought together as shown by arrow 45. The coupling arrangement 50 is then fitted over the top of an adjacent pair of the pillars.
  • Figure 4 shows the coupling arrangement in more detail, viewed from the underside.
  • the coupling arrangement comprises a bridge having a first and second tapered opening 52a, 52b, each for fitting over a respective tapered pillar 42a, 42b.
  • the bridge has a top surface, and a sprung retaining clip 54a, 54b projects downwardly from the top surface within each opening 52a, 52b.
  • the sprung retaining clip 54a, 54b is for passing though the top opening 44a, 44b ( Figure 3) of the respective tapered pillar. It then grips the pillar beneath the top opening.
  • the bridge is a push fit connection over the pillars. The engagement of the tapered pillars with the tapered openings aligns the pillars in the height direction, the length direction (the length direction corresponding to the housing axis direction) and the width direction.
  • Each sprung retaining clip 54a, 54b comprises a limb having a shaft 56a, 56b and a barb 58a, 58b at the end of the shaft.
  • a width of the shaft 56a, 56b is parallel to the long axis of the slot 44a, 44b in the top of the pillar.
  • a wide sprung retaining clip fits in a wide slot.
  • the shaft may have a width in the range of 10% to 50% of the width of the housing.
  • a wider shaft and slot may improve the alignment but may give a large coupling arrangement and more difficult initial alignment.
  • the shaft width and slot length may for example be in the range 5mm to 2cm.
  • the four side walls of the pillars may slope with the same angle, such as between 0 and 25 degrees. However, different faces may have different slopes. There could be 1 to 3 of the side walls arranged to be vertical or with a slight draft angle, for injection molding purposes.
  • the barb 58a, 58b of each limb comprises a cam (or slant) lower surface 62a, 62b for engaging with the slot during attachment of the coupling arrangement.
  • the cam engagement pushes the sprung retaining clips outwardly (i.e. away from the ends of the housings), and they snap back inwardly after the connection has been made.
  • the barbs also have a retaining upper surface 64a, 64b for engaging with the underside of the slot 44a, 44b after attachment of the coupling arrangement 50.
  • the upper surfaces 64a, 64b prevent removal of the bridge after it has been snapped into place.
  • Figure 5 shows the application of the coupling arrangement 50 after the initial alignment of the housings.
  • the bridge is applied as shown by arrow 65.
  • Figure 5 also shows that the top wall of the bridge has openings 66a, 66b enabling access to the sprung retaining clips 54a, 54b.
  • the two housings can be separated by inserting a tool such as a screwdriver into the openings 66a, 66b, to push the sprung clips against their bias and release the bridge from the pillars.
  • FIGS 6 to 11 are used to show cross sectional views.
  • Figure 6 defines a cross sectional line A-A along the housing axis direction, with the housings butted together, but the coupling arrangement 50 not yet attached.
  • Figure 7 shows the cross section along line A-A. It can be seen that the sprung clips 54a, 54b need to deform outwardly before they can pass through the top openings 44a, 44b.
  • Figure 8 defines a cross sectional line B-B along the housing axis direction and a cross sectional line C-C across the width direction, with the coupling arrangement clipped in place.
  • Figure 9 shows the cross section along line B-B. It can be seen that the barbs of the sprung clips (in particular the retaining upper surfaces) engage with the underside of a top surface of the pillar in which the top opening 44a, 44b is formed.
  • the pillar is simply a hollow projection and the sprung retaining clip engages with the underside of the slot in the top surface.
  • Figure 10 shows the cross section along line C-C. It can be seen how the tapered faces of the pillar 42a and tapered opening 52a engage to align the two parts.
  • Figure 11 shows the engagement of the sprung clip 54b with the pillar 42b even more clearly.
  • each luminaire comprises a light transmissive cover for covering an opening of the housing, one or more lighting units within each housing; and a lighting driver mounted outside the housing.
  • Figure 12 shows the coupling arrangement 50 in cross section and Figure 13 shows the coupling arrangement 50 from below, to show typical dimensions.
  • the coupling arrangement is shown with a length 41.1mm (for example more generally in the range 20mm to 60mm) and a width 23.1mm (for example more generally in the range 10mm to 50mm).
  • the angle of taper of each of the two sides of the tapered opening in a plane parallel to the housing axis direction is 11.3 degrees. In the transverse plane, the taper angle is for example larger, such as 21.8 degrees. Generally, the angle of taper is less than 25 degrees. In this example, the four sides of the tapered opening do not all have the same taper angle (there are two values of taper angle), as can been seen from the view from beneath.
  • the shaft has a width of 6mm (generally between 5mm and 20mm) and a length of 13mm (generally between 10mm and 20mm) .
  • the coupling arrangement has an overall height in this example of 19mm (generally between 10mm and 30mm
  • the width of the housings is for example in the range 50mm to 600mm and the length may be in the range 50cm to 150cm.
  • the connection system may be applied to any shape of luminaire.
  • suitable housing dimensions are 132mm x 526mm and 132mm x 264mm.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Non-Portable Lighting Devices Or Systems Thereof (AREA)
  • Mutual Connection Of Rods And Tubes (AREA)

Abstract

A connection system is provided for modular luminaires, wherein the luminaires are each provided with at least one tapered pillar projecting from a back, the pillar having a top opening. A coupling arrangement is used for coupling the two luminaires together, in the form of a bridge having first and second tapered openings for fitting over the pillars. A sprung retaining clip projects within each opening for passing through the top opening and thereby gripping the pillar.

Description

Connection system for a luminaire, and a lighting system using the connection system
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
This invention relates to luminaires formed as a set of interconnected housings.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
It is known to form a lighting system as a set of connected modular housings. Each individual housing may be considered to form part of a separate luminaire, and together they define an overall lighting system. The housings are for example coupled together to form a line.
The connected housings may for example be suspended from a ceiling or else the side walls and bases of the housings may be recessed into a ceiling.
It is desirable to be able to install the housings together in a perfectly straight line. Typically, mounting brackets and additional pins are used in the lighting system to hold the housings together, one by one. For example, some connecting parts may be mounted inside or outside the two luminaires to connect the two housings, i.e. connect the luminaires, together. The longer the coupling parts, the better the control of how straight the two housings can be made after being installed.
A problem which arises for a connected set of housings is that it may be difficult and complicated to remove one luminaire that needs to be replaced or repaired from the overall system.
Furthermore, it may be difficult to obtain or keep a tight fit between two housings. They may need to be held together with their vertical end surfaces face-to-face while the making the connection.
It would be desirable to have a housing design, which simplifies connecting and disconnecting, and makes a tight fitting between adjacent housings easier to achieve.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
The invention is defined by the claims. According to examples in accordance with an aspect of the invention, there is provided a connection system for modular luminaires, each luminaire comprising: a housing having an open front and a back, at least one end of the housing comprising: an end face; a tapered pillar projecting from the back, the tapered pillar having a top opening, wherein the connection system comprises a coupling arrangement for coupling respective ends of the housings of two luminaires together butted against each other, the coupling arrangement comprising: a bridge having a first and second tapered openings, each for fitting over a respective tapered pillar of one of the two adjacent housing ends; and a sprung retaining clip projecting within the opening, for passing though the top opening of the respective tapered pillar and for gripping the pillar beneath the top opening.
This connection system provides a simple push fit connection, with a connecting bridge pushed over a pair of pillars, to align those pillars both in the height direction and the length and width directions (the length direction corresponding to the end- end direction of the housing). The use of a sprung clip avoids the need for additional connecting parts as the bridge clips into place by means of the sprung clips.
Each pillar may have a rectangular shape and all sides of the rectangular shape taper. The tapered shape makes easy initial positioning of the bridge over the pillars, and as the bridge is pushed down, the housings are brought into accurate alignment when the sprung clip engages with the pillar.
The top opening of each pillar for example comprises an elongate slot, with its long axis parallel to the end face.
Each sprung retaining clip for example comprises a limb having a shaft and a barb at the end of the shaft, wherein a width of the shaft is parallel to the long axis of the elongate slot. Thus, a wide sprung retaining clip fits in a wide slot. A strong coupling is thereby provided.
The barb of the limb may comprise a cam lower surface for engaging with the slot during attachment of the coupling arrangement and a retaining upper surface for engaging with the underside of the slot after attachment of the coupling arrangement. The cam surface is used to push the sprung retaining clip against its spring bias, and it then snaps back with the upper surface preventing removal of the bridge.
The retaining upper surface may be for engaging with the underside of a top surface of the pillar in which the top opening is formed. This reduces the number of parts. The pillar may simply be a hollow projection and the sprung retaining clip engages with the underside of the slot.
The sprung retaining clip is for example adapted to deform away from the end face during attachment of the coupling arrangement and spring back after attachment of the coupling arrangement. The spring force thus pulls the two adjacent housings together.
A top of the bridge for example comprises a top wall with openings enabling access to the sprung retaining clips. This enables the two housings to be separated by inserting a tool, such as a blade of a screwdriver, into the openings, to push the sprung clips against their bias and release the bridge from the pillars.
The coupling arrangement is preferably a push fit over two tapered pillars without external fixings. This provides a simple assembly with no tools.
The invention also provides a luminaire comprising: a housing having an open front and a back, at least one end of the housing comprising: an end face; and a tapered pillar projecting from the back, the tapered pillar having a top opening, wherein the dimensions of the tapered pillar and the top opening are arranged to enable connection of the housings of two luminaires together using the connection system as defined above.
The tapered pillar is for example positioned in the middle, in the housing width direction, of the back of the housing
The end of the housing may comprise a plurality of pillars projecting from the back, across the width of the housing. This provides a more secure connection across the width of the housing. Multiple bridges may be used to connect the two housings.
The end of the housing may further comprise a respective pillar projecting from the back at each side of the housing. In this way, a coupling may be provided between the end of one housing and a side (around the comer from the end) of another housing, thus forming a right-angled connection between two housings.
The luminaire may further comprise one or more of: a light transmissive cover for covering an opening of the housing; one or more lighting units within each housing; and a lighting driver mounted outside the housing.
The invention also provides a linear lighting system comprising: a set of at least two luminaires, each as defined above; and a connection system as defined above for coupling respective ends of the housings of adjacent luminaires.
These and other aspects of the invention will be apparent from and elucidated with reference to the embodiment(s) described hereinafter.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
For a beter understanding of the invention, and to show more clearly how it may be carried into effect, reference will now be made, by way of example only, to the accompanying drawings, in which:
Figure 1 shows a modular lighting system;
Figure 2 shows the connection area more clearly;
Figure 3 shows the connection area before introduction of the coupling arrangement;
Figure 4 shows the coupling arrangement in more detail, viewed from the underside;
Figure 5 shows the application of the coupling arrangement after the initial alignment of the housings;
Figure 6 defines a cross sectional line A-A along a housing axis direction, with the housings buted together;
Figure 7 shows the cross section A-A of Figure 6;
Figure 8 defines a cross sectional line B-B along the housing axis direction and a cross sectional line C-C across the width direction;
Figure 9 shows the cross section along line B-B of Figure 8;
Figure 10 shows the cross section along line C-C of Figure 8;
Figure 11 shows the engagement of the one sprung clip with one pillar more clearly;
Figure 12 shows the coupling arrangement in cross section to show typical dimensions; and Figure 13 shows the coupling arrangement from below, to show typical dimensions.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS
The invention will be described with reference to the Figures.
It should be understood that the detailed description and specific examples, while indicating exemplary embodiments of the apparatus, systems and methods, are intended for purposes of illustration only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. These and other features and advantages of systems and methods of the present invention will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawings. It should be understood that the Figures are merely schematic and are not drawn to scale. It should also be understood that the same reference numerals are used throughout the Figures to indicate the same or similar parts.
The invention provides a connection system for modular luminaires, wherein the luminaires are each provided with at least one tapered pillar projecting from a back, the pillar having a top opening. A coupling arrangement is used for coupling the two luminaires together, in the form of a bridge having first and second tapered openings for fitting over the pillars. A sprung retaining clip projects within each opening for passing through the top opening and thereby gripping the pillar. The invention provides a connection system which avoids the need for tools and allows a push fit connection.
Figure 1 shows a modular lighting system 10 having modular set of luminaires which may be arranged in a line. Each luminaire comprises a housing, in this example formed as a frame having sides and ends. A housing axis 14 extends between the ends. A set of two luminaires, and hence two housings 12a, 12b, is shown. There are at least first and second luminaires, and hence at least first and second housings 12a, 12b to be connected together. They are connection together at a connection area 15.
The housings are shown as elongate so that the axis 14 is the elongate axis. However, the housings do not need to be elongate. They may for example be square (i.e., rectangular with aspect ratio of 1) or have an aspect ratio of 2 or 4.
Each housing 12a, 12b has an open front which forms the light output side of the luminaire and a back. The backs are visible in Figure 5.
Figure 2 shows the connection area (15 in Figure 1) more clearly. It shows one end 16a of a first housing 12a and one end 16b of a second housing 12b. The ends of the housings comprise an end face 40a, 40b and a tapered pillar projecting from the back. Projecting pillars 44c, 44d, 44e and 44f are seen, but there are two tapered pillars which are covered by a coupling arrangement 50. They are shown in Figure 3.
The tapered pillars have a rectangular shape. In one example, all sides of the rectangular shape taper.
The connection system comprises a coupling arrangement 50 for coupling respective ends of the housings of two luminaires together butted against each other. The coupling arrangement 50 is in the form of a bridge having tapered openings which fit over the pillars.
Figure 3 shows the connection area before introduction of the coupling arrangement. It shows the tapered pillars 42a, 42b which are to be coupled by the coupling arrangement 50, projecting from the back. Each tapered pillar has a top opening 44a, 44b.
The connection system pulls the two pillars together, aligning them in the length and width directions, as well as aligning them in the height direction. The connection shown in Figures 2 and 3 forms a line of housings. However, a right-angled connection may also be formed.
This is the purpose of the additional pillars 44c, 44d, 44e, 44f shown in Figure 2. The housings in this way each further comprise a respective pillar projecting from the back at each side of the housing. The positioning of these additional pillars is such that the end face of one housing may be aligned with a side face of the connected housing, so that a continuous right angle is formed. Thus, the spacing of the pillars from the end comers is the same.
Figures 2 and 3 show a single pillar at each end (and a single pillar at each side). There may instead be a plurality of pillars across the width the housing, to enable connection to be made at multiple locations across the width the housing.
Figure 3 shows an initial approximate alignment of the two housings. They are brought together as shown by arrow 45. The coupling arrangement 50 is then fitted over the top of an adjacent pair of the pillars.
Figure 4 shows the coupling arrangement in more detail, viewed from the underside.
The coupling arrangement comprises a bridge having a first and second tapered opening 52a, 52b, each for fitting over a respective tapered pillar 42a, 42b.
The bridge has a top surface, and a sprung retaining clip 54a, 54b projects downwardly from the top surface within each opening 52a, 52b. The sprung retaining clip 54a, 54b is for passing though the top opening 44a, 44b (Figure 3) of the respective tapered pillar. It then grips the pillar beneath the top opening. The bridge is a push fit connection over the pillars. The engagement of the tapered pillars with the tapered openings aligns the pillars in the height direction, the length direction (the length direction corresponding to the housing axis direction) and the width direction.
Each sprung retaining clip 54a, 54b comprises a limb having a shaft 56a, 56b and a barb 58a, 58b at the end of the shaft. A width of the shaft 56a, 56b is parallel to the long axis of the slot 44a, 44b in the top of the pillar. Thus, a wide sprung retaining clip fits in a wide slot.
The shaft may have a width in the range of 10% to 50% of the width of the housing. A wider shaft and slot may improve the alignment but may give a large coupling arrangement and more difficult initial alignment. The shaft width and slot length may for example be in the range 5mm to 2cm.
The four side walls of the pillars may slope with the same angle, such as between 0 and 25 degrees. However, different faces may have different slopes. There could be 1 to 3 of the side walls arranged to be vertical or with a slight draft angle, for injection molding purposes.
The barb 58a, 58b of each limb comprises a cam (or slant) lower surface 62a, 62b for engaging with the slot during attachment of the coupling arrangement. The cam engagement pushes the sprung retaining clips outwardly (i.e. away from the ends of the housings), and they snap back inwardly after the connection has been made.
The barbs also have a retaining upper surface 64a, 64b for engaging with the underside of the slot 44a, 44b after attachment of the coupling arrangement 50. The upper surfaces 64a, 64b prevent removal of the bridge after it has been snapped into place.
Figure 5 shows the application of the coupling arrangement 50 after the initial alignment of the housings. The bridge is applied as shown by arrow 65.
Figure 5 also shows that the top wall of the bridge has openings 66a, 66b enabling access to the sprung retaining clips 54a, 54b. In particular, the two housings can be separated by inserting a tool such as a screwdriver into the openings 66a, 66b, to push the sprung clips against their bias and release the bridge from the pillars.
Figures 6 to 11 are used to show cross sectional views.
Figure 6 defines a cross sectional line A-A along the housing axis direction, with the housings butted together, but the coupling arrangement 50 not yet attached. Figure 7 shows the cross section along line A-A. It can be seen that the sprung clips 54a, 54b need to deform outwardly before they can pass through the top openings 44a, 44b.
Figure 8 defines a cross sectional line B-B along the housing axis direction and a cross sectional line C-C across the width direction, with the coupling arrangement clipped in place.
Figure 9 shows the cross section along line B-B. It can be seen that the barbs of the sprung clips (in particular the retaining upper surfaces) engage with the underside of a top surface of the pillar in which the top opening 44a, 44b is formed. The pillar is simply a hollow projection and the sprung retaining clip engages with the underside of the slot in the top surface.
Figure 10 shows the cross section along line C-C. It can be seen how the tapered faces of the pillar 42a and tapered opening 52a engage to align the two parts.
Figure 11 shows the engagement of the sprung clip 54b with the pillar 42b even more clearly.
Only the luminaire housing has been shown in the figures above. The light source and drive arrangement of a luminaire will be mounted in each luminaire housing. Typically, each luminaire comprises a light transmissive cover for covering an opening of the housing, one or more lighting units within each housing; and a lighting driver mounted outside the housing.
By way of example, Figure 12 shows the coupling arrangement 50 in cross section and Figure 13 shows the coupling arrangement 50 from below, to show typical dimensions. The coupling arrangement is shown with a length 41.1mm (for example more generally in the range 20mm to 60mm) and a width 23.1mm (for example more generally in the range 10mm to 50mm). The angle of taper of each of the two sides of the tapered opening in a plane parallel to the housing axis direction is 11.3 degrees. In the transverse plane, the taper angle is for example larger, such as 21.8 degrees. Generally, the angle of taper is less than 25 degrees. In this example, the four sides of the tapered opening do not all have the same taper angle (there are two values of taper angle), as can been seen from the view from beneath. The shaft has a width of 6mm (generally between 5mm and 20mm) and a length of 13mm (generally between 10mm and 20mm) . The coupling arrangement has an overall height in this example of 19mm (generally between 10mm and 30mm).
For the example of linear luminaires, the width of the housings is for example in the range 50mm to 600mm and the length may be in the range 50cm to 150cm. However, as mentioned above, the connection system may be applied to any shape of luminaire. For example, suitable housing dimensions are 132mm x 526mm and 132mm x 264mm.
Variations to the disclosed embodiments can be understood and effected by those skilled in the art in practicing the claimed invention, from a study of the drawings, the disclosure and the appended claims. In the claims, the word "comprising" does not exclude other elements or steps, and the indefinite article "a" or "an" does not exclude a plurality. A single processor or other unit may fulfill the functions of several items recited in the claims. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage. Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope.

Claims

CLAIMS:
1. A connection system for modular luminaires, each luminaire comprising: a housing (12a, 12b) having an open front and a back, at least one end (16a, 16b) of the housing comprising: an end face (40a, 40b); a tapered pillar (42a, 42b) projecting from the back, the tapered pillar having a top opening (44a, 44b), wherein the connection system comprises a coupling arrangement (50) for coupling respective ends of the housings of two luminaires together butted against each other, the coupling arrangement comprising: a bridge having a first and second tapered openings (52a, 52b), each for fitting over a respective tapered pillar (42a, 42b) of one of the two adjacent housing ends; and a sprung retaining clip (54a, 54b) projecting within the opening, for passing though the top opening (44a, 44b) of the respective tapered pillar and for gripping the pillar beneath the top opening.
2. A connection system as claimed in claim 1, wherein each pillar (42a, 42b) has a rectangular shape and all sides of the rectangular shape taper.
3. A connection system as claimed in claim 1 or 2, wherein the top opening (44a, 44b) of each pillar comprises an elongate slot, with its long axis parallel to the end face (40a, 40b).
4. A connection system as claimed in claim 3, wherein each sprung retaining clip (54a, 54b) comprises a limb having a shaft (56a, 56b) and a barb (58a, 58b) at the end of the shaft, wherein a width of the shaft (56a, 56b) is parallel to the long axis of the elongate slot.
5. A connection system as claimed in claim 4, wherein the barb (58a, 58b) of the limb comprises a cam lower surface (62a, 62b) for engaging with the slot during attachment of the coupling arrangement and a retaining upper surface (64a, 64b) for engaging with the underside of the slot after attachment of the coupling arrangement.
6. A connection system as claimed in claim 5, wherein the retaining upper surface (64a, 64b) is for engaging with the underside of a top surface of the pillar in which the top opening (44a, 44b) is formed.
7. A connection system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the sprung retaining clip (54a, 54b) is adapted to deform away from the end face during attachment of the coupling arrangement and spring back after attachment of the coupling arrangement.
8. A connection system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a top of the bridge comprises a top wall with openings (66a, 66b) enabling access to the sprung retaining clips (54a, 54b).
9. A connection system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the coupling arrangement is a push fit over two tapered pillars (42a, 42b) without external fixings.
10. A luminaire comprising: a housing (12a, 12b) having an open front and a back, at least one end (16a, 16b) of the housing comprising: an end face (40a, 40b); and a tapered pillar (42a, 42b) projecting from the back, the tapered pillar having a top opening (44a, 44b), wherein the dimensions of the tapered pillar (42a, 42b) and the top opening (44a, 44b) are arranged to enable connection of the housings of two luminaires together using the connection system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.
11. A luminaire as claimed in claim 10, wherein the tapered pillar (42a, 42b) is positioned in the middle, in the housing width direction, of the back of the housing.
12. A luminaire as claimed in claim 10 or 11, wherein the end of the housing comprises a plurality of pillars projecting from the back, across the width of the housing.
13. A luminaire as claimed in claim 10, 11 or 12, wherein the end of the housing further comprises a respective pillar (44c, 44d, 44e, 441) projecting from the back at each side of the housing.
14. A luminaire as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 13, further comprising one or more of: a light transmissive cover for covering an opening of the housing; one or more lighting units within each housing; and a lighting driver mounted outside the housing.
15. A linear lighting system (10) comprising: a set of at least two luminaires (12a, 12b), each as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 14; and a connection system (50) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9 for coupling respective ends of the housings of adjacent luminaires.
EP20797731.5A 2019-11-04 2020-10-27 Connection system for a luminaire, and a lighting system using the connection system Withdrawn EP4055316A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

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CN2019115326 2019-11-04
PCT/EP2020/080114 WO2021089365A1 (en) 2019-11-04 2020-10-27 Connection system for a luminaire, and a lighting system using the connection system

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US20220373146A1 (en) 2022-11-24
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